Friday, January 7, 2011

Trusting God at his word!

Luke 7

There is so much good insight and information in all of these chapters it is very difficult for me to simply choose what is necessary to highlight. I am spending a lot of time in prayer so that I choose wisely so I hope all of these are having the correct encouragement to you.

This chapter opens with Jesus having a conversation with a Roman. Part of Luke’s motivation for writing his Gospel is to let us know that Jesus came for everyone, so he highlights various relationship from all avenues of Jesus’ life. In this chapter we have the Roman, and old woman, and a “sinful” woman, someone no religious person would have any relationship. Jesus met them all at their point of need.

Back to our Roman friend!

A centurion is a leader of men, normally 100, thus the name “centurion”. It was a responsible and dangerous position. They were expected to train and discipline their men. They fought along side of them often the first on the charge. They were respected for their leadership and feared for their discipline. They were strong decision-makers. Good ones were willing to die for their men and their legion new it!

When this centurion came to Jesus that is the background he had; strong and respected leader who loved and disciplined his men. These personality traits would carry over into their home life as well, thus his heart for his servant. He probably fought many battles where in a moment of decision failure was turned into victory. He knew the power of determination and authority.

He was also a fair man and humble before authority. The Jews brought his case to Jesus and as a man of faith felt unworthy to see Jesus but expressed his faith through his friends, You say the word and my servant will be healed!

Jesus response, “I have not found such great faith in all of Israel!” What was Jesus saying? Just as Jesus had stood on God’s Word when facing Satan in Luke 4, he was recognizing the centurion’s willingness to stand on just a word from Jesus.

Faith is humbly walking before the Lord and believing Him at his word. That is the exactly what the centurion did. What word has the Lord spoken to you? Have you stood firm. The servant could not have been healed apart for a God word, it was an impossible situation and the centurion simply trusted in God’s word. It is difficult, especially in tough places to trust God but what is the alternative, worry, fear, dread, or panic? It is always our choice. God is always willing to be a “very present help in time of need!” We must choose to trust, sometime in spite of the circumstances. Choose to trust Him today in whatever you are facing.

Tomorrow – Luke 8

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